We started about 10 years ago with a 1996 Mullis slip joint car. After 1 year we had a mono shock swingarm added and have never even considered going back to a slip joint car. The swingarm/x-link in my mind is the best design. Don't get me wrong, a 4-link car is also a good option but the swingarm car will not allow for side to side movement when racing the finish line. Watch a 4-link car that has a wishbone. You can watch the scoop move side to side when ripping the throttle or even when lifting. A swingarm will not do that. For the price of cars and knowing the economy, I would think that you could hold out for a newer car. I have a friend that has a 200 Racetech 4-link for $13K on RJ and I have my 08 swingarm on RJ. My other buddy has a 2001 Diamond swingarm for $13K on here. If you have $9500 in a 1996, you will have roughly $4K in a backhalf once it is done. You are better off to spend the money for the suspension now.